Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/08/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]on 27/8/00 9:08 AM, apbbeijing at apbbeijing@yahoo.com wrote: > on 27/8/00 4:32 AM, Mikiro at arbos@silva.net wrote: > >> The authour says that lens characters are just like those of paints, >> brushes, and canvas for painters (Painters do select their equipment >> depending on their aims). > > Hi Mikiro > > That sounds like an interesting book - one hopes it is well illustrated. > > Despite my earlier disparaging remarks I am intrigued by these > characteristics in different lenses: I just do not think it is practical to > carry a 'palette' of similar spec lenses around in order to get the optimum > match for each picture situation even if one were fully acquainted with the > exact rendition they will provide. The interest is therefore on the > theoretical level rather than having anything to do with actual photography. > > It is practical to get to know the equipment you have at hand but that is > more likely to happen from intensive and constant use rather than reading > articles, even by such experienced fellows as you refer to. I am amused by > all the instant experts on bokeh: until the subject was introduced to the > English speaking photo world (by Mr Mike Johnston I believe) no one had ever > to my knowledge remarked on the unpleasant nature of their (usually cheaper) > lens's rendition of the out of focus areas. Of a sudden there seemed to be a > legitimate excuse to fork out for that expensive Leica lens... > > I try very hard not to let this interest get in the way of my photography > but I suppose participating in such lists as this is an admission of partial > defeat! I should be out even now taking pictures... > > Bests from Beijing (where the locals have no problem with the word > 'Oriental' - for themselves, for buildings, TV stations etc etc) > > Adrian > Adrian- Appreciating those lens characters is something like making a "bonsai" (You know what it is). Frankly speaking, it sometimes looks just a weird habit. The following are the words of Ken Domon, a Japanese photographer I admire the most. Domon is not known internationally, but rivals HCB in my opinion. Just have a look at his photobook "Hiroshima", and you will understand what I mean. # Amateurs, buy cheap cameras and shoot more rolls than you can. # Do not spend your money on fast and gorgeous lenses. I never use my lenses at wide open. Buy a gorgeous house. # Never try to make beautiful prints with smoother tonal rendition, less grains, .... (probabaly he would add good bokeh, here). The world is already full of that stuff. I try to be obedient to these words, but it is not easy. ;-) MIKIRO http://arbos.silva.net